Mary Lou Williams was born on May 8, 1910, in Atlanta, and passed away on May 28, 1981, in Durham, N.C. Her influence extended far beyond the fame her extraordinary piano skills brought her. Williams’s innovative compositions, exceptional virtuosity, and unwavering dedication to her craft made her a trailblazer in a male-dominated genre. By Tamara Shiloh Mary Lou Williams was born on May 8, 1910, in Atlanta, and passed away on May 28, 1981, in Durham, N.C. Her influence extended far beyond the fame her extraordinary piano skills brought her. Williams’s innovative compositions, exceptional virtuosity, and unwavering dedication to her craft made her a trailblazer in a male-dominated